THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. We have reached a hopeful moment for
progress toward the vision of Middle Eastern peace that I outlined last
June. I spoke of a day when two states, Israel and Palestine, will
live side by side in peace and security. I called upon all parties in
the Middle East to abandon old hatreds and to meet their
responsibilities for peace.

The Palestinian state must be a reformed and peaceful and
democratic state that abandons forever the use of terror. The
government of Israel, as the terror threat is removed and security
improves, must take concrete steps to support the emergence of a viable
and credible Palestinian state, and to work as quickly as possible
toward a final status agreement. As progress is made toward peace,
settlement activity in the occupied territories must end. And the Arab
states must oppose terrorism, support the emergence of a peaceful and
democratic Palestine, and state clearly that they will live in peace
with Israel.

This moment offers a new opportunity to meet these objectives.
After its recent elections, the nation of Israel has a new government.
And the Palestinian Authority has created the new position of Prime
Minister. Israeli and Palestinian leaders and other governments in the
region now have a chance to move forward with determination and with
good faith.

To be a credible and responsible partner, the new Palestinian Prime
Minister must hold a position of real authority. We expect that such a
Palestinian Prime Minister will be confirmed soon. Immediately upon
confirmation, the road map for peace will be given to the Palestinians
and the Israelis. This road map will set forth a sequence of steps
toward the goals I set out on June 24th, 2002, goals shared by all the
parties.

The United States has developed this plan over the last several
months in close cooperation with Russia, the European Union, and the
United Nations. Once this road map is delivered, we will expect and
welcome contributions from Israel and the Palestinians to this document
that will advance true peace. We will urge them to discuss the road
map with one another. The time has come to move beyond entrenched
positions and to take concrete actions to achieve peace.

America is committed, and I am personally committed, to
implementing our road map toward peace. Our efforts are guided by
clear principles: We believe that all people in the Middle East --
Arab and Israeli alike -- deserve to live in dignity, under free and
honest governments. We believe that people who live in freedom are
more likely to reject bitterness, blind hatred and terror; and are far
more likely to turn their energy toward reconciliation, reform and
development.

There can be no peace for either side in the Middle East unless
there is freedom for both. Reaching that destination will not be easy,
but we can see the way forward. Now the parties must take that way,
step by step, and America will be the active partner of every party
that seeks true peace.